Mrs. Lovett huffed over the kitchen counter, and as she sighed the tangled brown hair in front of her face blew up. Business was slower then ever, and the end of the month inched closer each day.
But as long as Mr. Todd still found her useful, when it got down to the wire, she wouldn't mind facing any depression that neared them. As long as he was happy. Hell, who was she kidding? Mr. Sweeney Todd never felt happy. And he wouldn't, unless he was reunited with Johanna, and Lucy. Happily covered in Judge Turpin's blood he'd be. It always ate at her inside, knowing she could easily provide him with the two people that made him keep living. The two people he still adored.
But she couldn't, there had to be another way. One that would make them both happy in the end. She knew for that to work, It would cost her hell and back. And maybe even her soul, but it would be worth it in the end. Wouldn't it?
Her thoughts were interrupted as Sweeney entered the shop, obviously uneasy.
" Every thing's going down hill! There's no way that we will be able to pay the bills this month. Were going to lose the shops, we'll have to live on the streets. " He trailed off, sounding as if he were thinking aloud.
" Mr. Tee. Calm down! Every thing's going to be alright." She comforted.
He stared outside the window of the pie shop. His eyes restlessly examined the bustling streets. The beggars on the street, sat shivering. One arm extended in hope of anything, the other tightly wrapped around themselves for warmth.
He sighed, deep in thought. He could easily imagine how horrible it would be. Living day by day, struggling to stay alive in the weather. Growing closer and closer to the brink of death every minute. The thought made him shudder. He didn't know what would happen if they did end up on the streets, Mrs. Lovett and him. But he did know Mrs. Lovett would hang on with him till the end, whether he liked it or not. And he wasn't sure he would either.
The familiar tingle of warmth shot through his cold arm, as he felt Mrs. Lovett's fingers wrap around it.
" Don't. " He said, annoyed of her constant attempts of getting closer to him.
It hurt to get close to anyone. An image of Lucy, holding their baby girl in her arms, was permanently branded to his mind. His heart shattered every time he imagined the look on her face, as he was dragged away from them. His girls had depended on him, but he wasn't there anymore. And when Lucy was a damsel in distress, there was no knight in shining armour to come to her rescue. Her knight had been stripped of his armour, and forced down into the docks as a prisoner. To rot, and be forgotten.
When he realized that Mrs. Lovett had made no attempt to pull away, he did so himself. Taking a seat in the booth in front of them. There was a thick silence, that was broken by the sound of the door squealing on it's hinges. And in walked, The Beadle Banfard.
" Ello. " He hummed.
" Ello Beadle, what can I do for ye? " Asked Mrs. Lovett.
" Just a pie and a quick chat. " He cackled as he took a seat in front of Sweeney, smile fading as he noticed his glare.
" Everything all right there? " He questioned uncomfortably.
Sweeney's glare disappeared as he came to realisation.
" Oh it's nothing sir. " he mumbled.
" Just Money Trouble. "
The Beadle Stared for a moment.
" So yer saying ye may not have money to pay the bills, I be collecting this month? "
Sweeney nodded his head, now avoiding the Beadle's stare.
Mrs. Lovett placed a pie in front of the beadle, completely aware of the uncomfortable tension her Todd was making.
" Well, I hope that me coming today helped some. " He said, a smile played along his face, as he handed his money to Mrs. Lovett.
" Thanks for yer concern. " She said softly, placing the money in-between her breasts.
" So how's Turpin? " Sweeney asked, his smile flat.
' Dammit! ' Mrs. Lovett thought to herself. ' ere we go, Mr. Todd wanted to start something, and she knew it.. '
" Fine. " The Beadle casually replied.
" And his ward? " Sweeney continued.
" Oh, his daughter. " The Beadle seemed to be mocking him, the words driving a nail into his chest.
" Well, She's fine to. But I haven't seen her pathetic mother since Judge Turpin so kindly helped her through her hard times. "
Sweeney struggled to keep his anger down.
" Hard times? " He choked.
" Yea. " The Beadle continued.
" He her husband. But Benjamin Barker, now that was a foolish man. The man ignorantly chased after Turpin's wife all the time. So when he was seen in court, he was convicted guilty, and banished. I me self had the pleasure of watching them drag him off. " The lies spilled from his lips.
Fury began to bubble over in Sweeney's stomach, and he found it grow harder to keep himself under control.
" What was his crime? "
The Beadle looked at him another moment, growing uncomfortable again.
" I think I must be going now. " He said, lifting himself from his seat.
" But you haven't even touched your pie, sir. " Sweeney mocked, standing up as well.
Mrs. Lovett recognized the evil man behind Sweeney's eyes as he stared at the Beadle. It caused a lump to grow in her throat.
" ummm... good day sir. " She stuttered, stumbling in between them, placing her hands on Sweeney's chest, slightly pushing him until he sat back down.
" I'll see you at the end of the month. " He said tipping his hat, a disgusting and wicked smile planted between his cheeks, as he left the shop.
" What'd you do that for? " Sweeney asked in a low tone.
" Come now Mr. Tee! We can't deal with his death on our hands! not yet! " She whispered loudly, being sure no one would over hear them.
As his rage subsided, he began to remember the real problems they were having. Money. He sighed, forcing his nerves to calm.
" Damn. " He whispered.
" Oh it's alright love. " Mrs. Lovett said.
" Stop saying that. Nothing is alright. " He said while shaking his head. He closed his eyes, letting his forehead rest in his palm.
Mrs. Lovett took a seat next to him, wrapping her arms around him into an embrace.
The image of Lucy went racing through his mind, and his heart grew heavy. But he pretended it was her. Stealing whatever comfort he could. Times were hard, and they were only going to get harder.
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I don't know why this story is intriguing me, but it is. Maybe cause I know whats going to happen :P. But I'm sorry I haven't been updating everything all that much, been busy with semester finals. I did a lot of testing today, and will do more tomorrow. It's a good thing I have an energy drink stashed for tomorrow, or I wouldn't be up right now :P Anyways, please tell me what you think. and don't bash me because nothing cuddly is happening, I promise! It will come sooner or later!